Ruth Ann Colony, 83, of Central City, died Friday, January 21, 2011, at the University Hospitals in Iowa City.
Services were at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 27, 2011 at Zion American Lutheran Church, Wyoming, Iowa, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Family greeted friends from 4 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 26, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Central City. Burial was at Wyoming Cemetery, Wyoming, Iowa.
Survivors include two children, Martha (Bruce) of Ames and Mark of Central City; a brother, Roy Holzinger; three grandchildren, Amy (Jeffery) Raymond, and Vanessa; in-laws, Mary (Bob) Williams, and Melva (Ed) Eddleman; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and a granddaughter, Ruth Ellen.
Ruth Ann was born March 14, 1927 on a farm in Jones County near Oxford Junction, the daughter of Louie and Viola (Huggans) Holzinger. Ruth Ann was baptized March of 1928, by Rev. E. L. Arhelger and confirmed June 8, 1941 by Rev. G. J. Zeilenger. She attended rural school through 4th grade, Oxford Junction School from grades 4-7, and graduated from Olin School in 1945. She then attended Iowa State Teachers College (now UNI) in 1945-46 and various summers. She received her BA from Coe College.
On June 19, 1955, Ruth Ann was united in marriage to John M. Colony at North Liberty. They lived in North Liberty until 1959, when they moved to Wyoming, Iowa to farm. The couple divorced. Ruth Ann moved to Central City after her retirement.
Ruth Ann taught mostly 4th grade, but had experience in K-8th grades. She taught in Olin 1946-56, Clarence 1950-51, Anamosa 1951-55, Johnson County rural schools for three years, Lost Nation 1961-70, Center Junction 1970-71, Monmouth, Wyoming 1961-90, and Midland gifted and talented 1990-1996.
Ruth Ann was a member of Zion American Lutheran Church in Wyoming, where she taught Sunday school, was a member of Luther League, and Mary Rebecca Circle. While a member of the United Church of Christ in Central City, she taught adult Sunday school and was a member of Agoma Circle and Women's Fellowship. She was a lifetime member of ISEA and NEA, and belonged to the Progressive Club, TOPS of Wyoming and Marion, and was a board member of the Wyoming Historical Museum. She enjoyed sewing jean quilts, playing cards, cooking and baking, writing letters, and helping her grandchildren, family, and many friends.